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Edmond voters to decide $80 million school bond proposal

An $80 million bond issue would finance new elementary and middle schools and remodeling at other Edmond campuses.

BY NASREEN IQBAL niqbal@opubco.com •
Published: January 26, 2013

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EDMOND — An $80 million bond proposal, the largest in the history of the Edmond school district, will go before voters on Feb. 12.

A preliminary concept design of what Edmond’s new middle school will look like if the bond is passed on Feb. 12. The new middle school will be the sixth in the district. Images provided by Edmond Public Schools

The bond issue would finance the construction of Edmond's 17th elementary school and a sixth middle school and pay for land for a fourth high school.

“The largest items within the bond issue are to build two new schools; an elementary school for grades PK-5 at $16.5 million and a middle school for grades 6-8 at $27 million. Included in the issue will be funds for purchasing land that would be planned for a possible future high school site,” Superintendent David Goin said.

A yes vote won't raise taxes, as the new bond will replace retiring bonds, Goin said.

The current property tax millage rate is 24.21. A mill is one-tenth of a cent.

Goin said bond issues require 60 percent voter approval, and the district has had unwavering support from taxpayers.

“Beginning in September of 1959, Edmond Public Schools voters have approved 54 consecutive bond issues — continuous support for more than half a century,” Goin said.

“We do not take passage of bond issues for granted. Our constant goal is to provide excellent educational services for Edmond children and to submit to voters thoughtfully planned bond projects that meet clearly articulated needs.”

The emergence of the new schools is a result of the district's rapid growth, said Susan Parks-Schlepp, director of public information.

“The district has grown by 2,200 students over the last four years and growth in the student population is expected to continue,” Schlepp said.

Edmond's newest elementary campus, Centennial Elementary, opened in 2007. A building currently under construction, Frontier Elementary, is scheduled to open in the fall.